There are tall ships
There are small ships
But the best ships
Are friendships…
Unless of course, when they’re not.
Friendship is a crucial aspect of our lives that is meant to bring joy, support, and companionship. However, sometimes our friendships can turn sour, and the people we consider friends can become a source of toxicity in our lives.
Toxic friends are individuals who exhibit behavior that is detrimental to our emotional and mental well-being. These kinds of friendships can cause emotional distress, mental exhaustion, and even physical health problems.
Perhaps as you’re reading this, you have someone is mind.
To be honest, I have not had too many toxic friendships at all over the years. I was never one of those bitchy girls either. I was raised to talk to everyone and I always had friends in many different circles. I never liked cliques.
But… it happens.
It’s time to fall cleanse your toxic friends! Who’s with me?
Let’s look a deeper.
Who are toxic friends?
Toxic friends are individuals who exhibit behavior that negatively affects our emotional and mental well-being. Such behavior can take many forms, including manipulation, passive-aggressiveness, constant negativity, and gossiping, among others. Toxic friends are often self-centered, and they prioritize their needs and desires over their friends’. They can be very charming and persuasive, which makes it difficult to recognize their toxic behavior.
What are the signs of toxic friendships?
Toxic friendships can manifest themselves in different ways. However, there are some common signs that can help you identify whether your friendship is toxic or not.
Here are some signs to look out for:
- They only talk about themselves: Toxic friends are often self-centered, and they only talk about themselves. They don’t show any interest in your life or what’s going on with you. They are not interested in hearing your opinions or listening to your problems.
- They are always negative: Toxic friends are always negative, and they bring negativity into your life. They criticize everything you do and make you feel bad about yourself. They don’t support you or encourage you to be your best self.
- They are manipulative: Toxic friends are often manipulative, and they use different tactics to get what they want. They can be very charming and persuasive, and they know how to push your buttons to get what they want.
- They gossip a lot: Toxic friends are often gossipers, and they love to spread rumors and talk behind people’s backs. They don’t respect people’s privacy, and they don’t care about the consequences of their actions.
- They make you feel guilty: Toxic friends often make you feel guilty for not doing what they want. They use emotional manipulation to get what they want and make you feel bad if you don’t comply.
- They are always in competition: Toxic friends are always in competition with you, and they want to be better than you at everything. They don’t celebrate your successes, and they are always trying to one-up you.
How to deal with toxic friends
Dealing with toxic friends can be really challenging, but it’s essential to protect your emotional and mental well-being. Here are some tips on how to deal with toxic friends:
- Set boundaries: Setting boundaries is essential when dealing with toxic friends. Let them know what behavior is unacceptable, and be firm about it. If they continue to exhibit toxic behavior, it’s okay to distance yourself from them.
- Communicate effectively: Communicate your feelings to your toxic friend. Let them know how their behavior is affecting you and how it makes you feel. Try to do it in a calm and respectful manner.
- Don’t engage in toxic behavior: Don’t stoop to their level and engage in toxic behavior. This will only escalate the situation and make things worse.
- Surround yourself with positive and nurturing people: Surround yourself with positive people who uplift you and support you. This will help counteract the negativity that toxic friends bring into your life.
- Seek professional help if needed: If the toxicity from your friend is causing you significant emotional distress or affecting your mental health, seek professional help. A therapist can help you work through your emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Toxic friendships can be detrimental to our emotional and mental well. If you’ve ever been in one of these kids of relationships, you understand just how difficult it is. Sending you lots of love to heal from these relationships.
Have you ever had toxic friends? Did you hang on too long or ditch ’em?
